West Ham ‘sure’ to sign centre-back after club insider’s update – pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed West Ham to go back into the transfer market for a new centre-back this summer after Nayef Aguerd’s pre-season injury blow.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Irons need more “options” in defensive areas.
West Ham have confirmed (25 July) that £29.6million summer arrival Aguerd has undergone successful surgery on an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.
According to Hammers insider ExWHUEmployee (via his Patreon, 25 July), club chiefs are “fearful” that the centre-back could be ruled out until the World Cup – which kicks off on 21 November.
That would leave the Irons with just Kurt Zouma, Issa Diop, Craig Dawson, and Angelo Ogbonna ahead of another gruelling campaign.
Agbonlahor suggested Aguerd’s injury could mean David Moyes is unable to take full advantage of the new five substitutions rule.
“I feel like West Ham have had really bad luck with defenders,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They had a few injuries last season as well. It’s bad luck for the player, but West Ham may well have to go back into the market for one more centre-half now.
“You can’t go into the season short, especially now teams are allowed five subs. That new rule will be crucial for Moyes to keep his team fresh with the European games as well.
“They need the options. It’s something that they need to look at in the next month, for sure.”
West Ham have completed moves for Aguerd, Gianluca Scamacca, Flynn Downes, and Alphonse Areola so far this summer.
Ogbonna has only recently returned from a long-term injury worry of his own.
In other news, pundit issues Ben Brereton Diaz warning after West Ham transfer report.